Bacterial MENINGITIS and your baby

BACTERIAL meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges or brain coverings by bacterial organisms. Dr Anona Griffith, paediatrician at Gateway Plaza, Old Harbour, said that the condition is serious and life-threatening and has possible long-term challenges for survivors.

“The brain is one of the most sensitive and intricate organs of the body, not only its function, but also its structure. It is so important that it is housed in a hard case called the skull and cushioned by tissues called meninges and bathed in a fluid known as cerebrospinal fluid,” Dr Griffith said.

But sometimes, Dr Griffith explained, the brain and spinal system are compromised by bacterial organisms which enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord, causing acute bacterial meningitis. The meninges can also be invaded by these organisms directly, usually by way of an ear or sinus infection, a skull fracture, or, rarely, after certain surgeries.

“All ages can be affected by meningitis and the causative agents will vary based on age. But babies and young children are at a greater risk since their bodies’ defence systems are not yet fully developed. This makes it difficult for their bodies to resist the bacterial organisms should they invade.“

The symptoms of the condition may be non-specific to the nervous system, especially in newborns and babies. In fact, sometimes in the early stages, they may mimic flu-like symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

•Fever

•Vomiting or decreased feeding

•Excessive sleepiness or

fussiness and irritability

•Seizures or fits

•Bulging fontanelle or mole

•Abnormal crying

In older children:

•Fever

•Headaches

•Neck pain and stiffness

•Vomiting may also be present.

But how do children get in contact with these harmful bacteria, and can they be avoided? Technically, it is almost impossible to escape exposure to all forms of bacteria since many of them are in our environment and in our bodies. Others are passed on by way of physical contact through body fluids and some through foods prepared by persons with the bacteria on their hands.

“For newborn babies, they are sometimes exposed to at least two types of bacteria – group B Streptococcus and Escherichia coli – by way the vaginal tract during labour. This can cause the baby to develop meningitis or other serious infections soon after birth.

“In older children, bacterial organisms are passed on by contact with droplets from an infected person, for example through sneezing, from kisses and coughs,” Dr Griffith said.

Important to note, Dr Griffith said that pregnant women are at increased risk of listeriosis — a condition which is caused by bacteria listeria monocytogenes. This increases the possibility of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, low birth weight or life-threatening infection of the newborn, including meningitis.

Children and adults alike with pre-existing conditions such as ear infections, low birth weight, those in need of respiratory support, cases of head trauma, and patients with compromised or weak immune systems are all at an increased risk of bacterial meningitis.

Confirmation of the germ in the fluid is definitive by way of a lumbar puncture in which a small sample of the spinal fluid is taken from the lower back and is sent for culture and testing for antibiotics that will work against any germ found. These results are collated over a period of time beginning shortly after the sample is taken, up to seven days.

In addition, testing is done for abnormal protein levels, and a blood culture is usually done, especially since most patients are very ill. This is accompanied by CT and MRI scans.

The condition is so catastrophic that it could cause death within hours of infection and as such, antibiotics are usually administered immediately while tests are being conducted. The duration of antibiotics will depend on the germ found and can vary from seven days up to 21 days.

While you may not be able to avoid contact with some of these sometimes deadly bacteria, Dr Griffith said that complications of bacterial meningitis may vary from none to deafness, seizures or fits, delay in development, damage to the brain and spinal cord resulting in difficulty walking.

“Bacterial meningitis can be prevented through immunisation. The primary series includes Hib, which prevents serious infections caused by a type of bacteria called haemophilus influenzae type b. Such infections include meningitis, pneumonia (lung infection), and epiglottitis (a severe throat infection).